K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 16
June 27, 2020
Book review: Jina S. Bazzar – Heir of Fury (@Jina_Bazzar )
It has been over three years since Roxanne donned the mantle of Remo’s familiar. Over [image error]three years in a stark, cold world obeying his every whim, following his every command, suffering and becoming the monster she always feared she would. She hunts for him, kills, and brings things through the portals that have no place here. Beings that will swell his ranks and create a force to be reckoned with. His latest task, however, will return her to Earth, back to the people she loves. But Remo never does anything without a reason. Roxanne knows if she is returning to Earth it is to further his ambition beyond the duty she has been given. For Earth, but three weeks have passed, three short weeks. Roxanne knows she must do everything in her power to protect those she loves, the world itself, but she must be clever, she cannot risk being discovered, risk tell Remo of her plans or those made by the Hunters who will try to stop him. Time is running out, the clock is ticking, and in the blink of an eye she could become the enemy, betray her friends, and bring devastation to the world. Can anything she do make a difference, can anything stand against a force so powerful? Find out in the gripping conclusion, don’t look away.
Jina S. Bazzar’s Heir of Fury is book three in the Roxanne Fosch files. I will be quite honest, this urban paranormal had me hooked from the first book. I read a lot, as such I normally start a series and flag book two for a later read if I really enjoyed it. That just wasn’t an option was this. I was so invested in the characters I read the entire series one book after the other within the space of 4 days. In fact, with book three I read it yesterday, staying up until some forsaken hour just to see how it ended. Every minute was it worth it. Everything about this author’s work strikes a chord, the characters are realistic, their plights relatable, their journey unmissable. Roxanne struggles through the countless trials, insecurities, and the danger of being bound to Remo while trying to find a way to not only stop him in a way that is beyond his notice but a means to shatter the familiar bond tying her to him, a bond that with a single command could have her destroying everything and everyone she holds dear. The supporting cast is amazing, vivid characters with their own stories and distinctive personalities. Then of course, if action, danger, mythical beings, preternatural creatures and a race against time plot isn’t enough, there’s romance, a sweet, burning, passionate and heart-fluttering romance that as a reader you really feel and pine for. This series gets my full heartfelt recommendation, it is so alive with incredible descriptions and palpable emotions not to mention a flowing first-person narrative and engaging plot and sub plots for me this series became an addiction and I will confess to getting a little annoyed when anyone dared interrupt me because this is one book, one series, I didn’t want to put down.
Book review: Jina S. Bazzar – Heir of Doom (@Jina_Bazzar)
Roxanne thought she was free. Yes, she was contracted to the Hunters but she could live [image error]her life without looking over her shoulder, without worrying she would be dragged back to the PSS to endure more of their brutal experiments. Her so-called clan had left her in their clutches for 9-years, sacrificed her to keep themselves safe and not once regretted their decision. Hell, they probably didn’t even think about it, they were probably just glad to get rid of the hybrid. But now she was out, training, learning, and living. That was until the clan needed to find a scapegoat for an unspeakable act, and where better to look than at the one whose very existence disgusts them. She has two weeks to prove her innocence, two weeks to free herself and her friends of the taint that follows their accusation and should she fail to do so everyone will pay the ultimate price.
Heir of Doom is book two in Jina S. Bazzar’s, Roxanne Fosch files and works well as a stand-alone read. Roxanne’s past actions return with force to not only bite her, but threaten her very future. The leader of her clan can’t even stand to look at her, let alone afford her the protection she should have received all her life. You can’t help but feel for her, in a new life a new city, yet she remains an outcast, alone amongst her so-called clan and despised by the Hunters. While the first book offered some steam and sizzle between Roxanne and Logan, this book takes a new turn as someone else steps up when her own clan once again disappoints her. I loved the character development and rising tensions. Revelations await about who she is, her past, and everything she has encountered so far. Action, insecurities, prejudice, animosity, and a dark scheme driven from the shadows propel the plot forward while Roxanne uncovers more about the life she should have had and the future that awaits her. She has some difficult choices to make, some impossible decisions. How much will she be willing to sacrifice to clear her name and safeguard the lives of the people she cares for?
June 25, 2020
Book review: Joy Johnson – The Death Dealer Diaries
Mal knew what it was like to lose people. Her father vanished when she was young, and [image error]her mother disappeared during her tenth winter. But that was the way of the world. People vanished, hunted by Reapers who descend where humans gather. Survival was a daily struggle, thankfully it was one she did not have to face alone. But when the Reapers attack her village everything she knew was turned to cinders. Fleeing for their lives, Mal and her friends must find a way to survive, but everything is not as it may appear, and Mal finds herself not only on a quest for survival, but one for the truth.
Joy Johnson’s The Death Dealer Diaries is a dystopian tale with a religious rapture style theme. As the title implies, the book is presented in the form of diary entries as Mal, the owner of said diary, details her experiences as she and her friends fight to survive. Friendship blossoms and relationships change as a quest for survival turns into something more. Dread, foreboding, and betrayal turn Mal’s world upside down, as does the realization of things to come. A short but enjoyable tale that was fun to follow.
June 22, 2020
Book review: Jina S. Bazzar – Heir of Ashes (@Jina_Bazzar)
At the age of twelve Roxanne Fosch was dragged away from the life she knew kicking [image error]and screaming. And for nine years the screaming never stopped as she was poked, prodded, tortured, and abused to the point of death. She was something unique, something the Paranormal Scientists Society (PSS) had never before got their hands on and they wanted exploit this opportunity, to know exactly what she was capable of. When she finally broke free of their hold she ran and never looked back. But they weren’t going to let her get away so easily. With a contract on her head and preternatural beings in pursuit it became impossible to know who is friend and foe, especially when someone approaches her in desperate need of her help, a help that could deliver her right back in the clutches of the PSS.
Heir of Ashes is the first book in The Roxanne Fosch Files. This paranormal fiction ticks all the boxes. Packed with action, chaos, curiosity, secrets, deception, and danger along with a hint of romance it will certain leave you completely fulfilled while wanting more. The energetic first-person narrative really pulls the reader straight into the thick of it as you are thrust into Roxanne’s tumultuous life. Filled with heart-pounding action and a threat that is forever evolving it’s impossible to know who can be trusted. Roxanne is a great and well-developed character filled with moxie, charism, and fight and is perfectly supported by a strong cast of characters. Roxanne just wants to live her life, be free after years of torture and she will go to almost any lengths against any odds. She will not be taken back, and those who stand in her way of freedom will know true fear. Heir of Ashes has certainly earned a place on my recommended books list, and I have already added the second book in the series to my future reading. A deep and involved read for lovers of the paranormal genre, or anyone looking for a thrilling, dangerous adventure.
June 21, 2020
Book review: Whitney Dineen – The Dream (@WhitneyDineen)
The Dream is book 4 in Whitney Dineen’s The Creek Water Series Book 4) I absolutely loved this book, I laughed, I cried, and was taken on a full rollercoaster ride of emotional investment. I loved the characters so completely that I never wanted the story to finish. I enjoyed how Whitney Dineen combined the past and present to allow us to get a full picture of Ashley’s life. The high school journal entries starting most chapters allowed us to see the past which haunts Ashley’s present, and added to her mindset of insecurity. I couldn’t believe how much this book spoke to me as a reader there was not a wasted word. Emotionally charged, beautifully penned, and such an amazing story, it deserves a place among the great rom-coms. It is perfect and guaranteed to please even the fussiest reader. One of the things I loved most was it wasn’t just a love story, it was also a message into accepting yourself, and letting go of of the past. Evolving friendships, high school crushes, and demons from the past are just the icing on the cake. The vivid characters are so believable you start to feel like part of the family, experience the highs and lows with them in a visceral way. It has been a long time since a book has affected me in such a deep manner, and that it did is a testament to the writer’s skills. This book has earned its place on my exclusive recommended reads list and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone, after all, I will now be judging every rom-com I read by this exceptional standard.
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Note: I received this book from Readers’ Favorite prior to release and scheduled post to coincide with the book launch.
June 18, 2020
Book review: Jo Wilde – The Crossing
Micki O’Sullivan had messed up, and with a step-father who can’t stand children, let [image error]alone teenagers, it was just the excuse he needed to have her shipped off to her father in Eastwick. It would be a new beginning for her, but little did she know this little Louisiana town harbors a dark secret, and the new beginning she had intended is not the one she seems fated to received. Attempting to make friends she finds herself ambushed in a life-changing encounter. Exposed to vampire blood she is destined to cross, that is, unless she can discover the identity of the sire and kill them before it is too late.
Jo Wilde’s The Crossing is a paranormal tale of romance, friendship, and danger. Written in a compelling first-person narrative the reader will find themselves easily transported into the mind of Micki, something further facilitated by the fact the narrative fully embraces Micki’s age and remains true to her character throughout. With the looming threat of her crossing approaching Micki begins to learn to true meaning of friendship as her BFF, Candy, stands beside her. He is a great character, his sassy, charismatic energy, and humor mesh perfectly with Micki’s no nonsense attitude. She knows who she is and won’t compromise. The characters are well-presented and develop throughout the plot, and the scene setting flows nicely to create a good impression of the locations. Friendship, secrets, and danger come together in a ticking clock plot to make an enjoyable read for young adults and above.
June 16, 2020
Book review: Geri Dreiling – Crime Beat Girl
In Geri L. Dreiling’s Crime Beat Girl, moving back to Saint Louis hadn’t been part of [image error]Debbie’s plan, but when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer it seemed a good opportunity for a fresh start. She left behind a promising career for a small local press, and a fiancé who loved his job more than her. When her first day sees her involved in a newsworthy story her entire career path is altered. She goes from another puff piece reporter to Crime Beat Girl, covering the local happenings in her community. She wanted to provoke comments and questions, but when her investigations catch the wrong sort of attention she quickly makes enemies, but no reporter lets go of a good story, regardless of the risks, even if that risk is her life.
Geri L. Dreiling’s Crime Beat Girl is a gripping crime fiction focusing around crime in Saint Louis. I enjoyed Debbie’s character and thought she was well-devolved, relatable, and supported by a cast of strong characters as she returns home and finds herself straight in the middle of a story she just can’t let go of. The flowing third-person narrative will have you following along, trying to see the connections Debbie has yet to make. Guns, cars, and deaths, all in different places, all by different people, but her gut tells her there’s a link and she is determined to find it. It was great watching the spunky reporter step on toes, tease information from sources, and try to piece everything together, all while balancing her own life and safety. Perfectly paced this investigative crime fiction offers mystery, action, and a hint of romance in a tale with deep themes and highlighting very real problems.
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June 13, 2020
Sir Galavant (@simmillkj)
I wrote this small poem a long time ago for my son, who is never without his best friend, Bear. Recently someone who read it reminded me about it by creating these amazing pictures.
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Sir Galavant
Darkness fills the peaceful slumber, nightmares claim their latest souls.
They jade the youth and taint the old that’s how the story’s told.
Battle waged in realms of sleep predict the path they’ll walk.
And when they wake in morning’s light they start down that new fork.
There’s but one who guards our child, and he is always there.
‘Tis the brave sir Galavant, the soul defending bear.
He’s his favourite, best of friends, and such love filters through.
The magic forged by children’s heart see he’ll fight for you.
When he feels the evil’s wake from your bed he springs.
He waves a sword, and charges forth, your angel without wings.
When morning comes the sun does rise and evil fades away.
Weary from his night of battle, he’s too tired to play.
But still he watches over you as you laugh and scream.
It brings him endless fun and joy as you both share ice-cream.
There is a moral here my son, and understand you must,
It’s only your love for him that sees his sword won’t rust.
As long as you believe, and to your heart be true,
the magic of your love, will keep him there for you.
~K.J. Simmill~
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June 12, 2020
Book review: Adrea L Peters – Becoming Truitt Skye
In Adrea L Peters’s Becoming Truitt Skye, Truitt was responsible for the world of [image error]humanity and must protect it, regardless of the cost, and the sacrifice she made was great. Casting herself into the silver pool she lost everything she was and would never be the same again. Truvie is a 17-year-old genius, with a love for physics and something of an awkward social disposition. Everything made sense for her until the day she banged her head and ended up a needed emergency surgery. Transported to a place she doesn’t recognise, yet she is responsible for, Truvie must discover who she was and who she needs to be in order to save everything she had once sacrificed herself to maintain, but with the one who forced her into the pool, her murderer, on the loose there is no time to waste in relearning everything she has forgotten, and yet, part of her can’t help but wonder if this is real, or if it is something brought on by her injury. Either way she needs answers, and the only way to do that is by becoming who she once was, becoming Truitt Skye.
Becoming Truitt Skye by Adrea L Peters Is filled with imaginative and beautiful descriptions that effortlessly set mesmerising scenes in the reader’s mind, drawing them into the world and surroundings in a manner which is almost poetic. With an involved plot, you will want to give this book your full attention in order to appreciate the sheer amount of intricacies woven into the plot. Science combines with chaos and philosophy to ask some potent questions that, as a reader, you too will enjoy considering. This is a book that will make you think and while at times the science can perhaps seem a little intense for those without a good foundation, it is explained well. This book will lead you into a maze of questions, challenging what you think is real for the characters involved while throwing you the odd curveball to keep you on your toes. Engaging, well-paced, and filled with chaos, questions, and danger. If you enjoy books that make you think and keep engaged give Becoming Truitt Skye a try.
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June 8, 2020
Book review: Emil Jersey – Blood, Sex and Violence
In Emil Jersey’s Blood, Sex and Violence, A Vampire’s Rebuttal, Jersey was recognised as [image error]ish-mikhan, a fix-it man, when he was but a boy. Cut and trained, his role is to bring pleasure to any he meets. Passed between elders he learns and hones his skill, rising to favoured and becoming the glorious being he should be. His master’s will is his will, and yet he knows their minds best, what will elate them to a state only one of his kind can induce, but in turn from each new master, he learns something new. Favoured by almost all, spoiled, Jersey reveals all from the age of seven onward.
Blood, Sex and Violence is part of Ellen C Maze’s The Rabbit Saga, while this book is attributed to Emil Jersey, the character whose experience it encompasses. It isn’t necessary to have an understanding of the other works, as this is more of a spin-off detailing a particular aspect of the Rakum, specifically one whose gift is in giving pleasure to others. I enjoyed exploring Jersey’s character in depth, learning how he sees himself and others in this mature read. It was great watching him grow as his time with each elder tempered and honed different aspects of his talent. Sensual, erotic, a little humorous, and enlightening this is a great addition to the saga allowing the reader to delve deeper into this world. This naughty but nice read will appeal to readers who enjoy mature content, orientated around some vampire lore, sex, and violence. No two masters are ever the same, and this explores the different facets, and also delves into the bonds and relationships formed.
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